Parts Used & Where Grown

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for

Why

3 Stars

Hypertension

Extracts providing at least 50 mg per day chlorogenic acids

Extracts of green, unroasted coffee that are high in chlorogenic acids might help lower blood pressure.

While drinking regular coffee or other sources of caffeine may slightly raise blood pressure,1 coffee also contains chlorogenic acids that may have a blood pressure–lowering effect, according to animal research.2 However, a double-blind study found that a substance produced by roasting coffee can inhibit this blood pressure–lowering effect, and by removing this substance, coffee lowered blood pressure.3 This suggests that extracts of unroasted (“green”) coffee that are high in chlorogenic acids might help lower blood pressure. A double-blind trial found that eating soups containing green coffee extracts providing at least 50 mg per day chlorogenic acids lowered blood pressure significantly better than soup containing no green coffee extracts in people with mild hypertension, but that lower amounts of green coffee extracts in the soup were not effective.4 A double-blind trial of green coffee extract supplements containing 140 mg per day of chlorogenic acids reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 7 mm Hg in people with mild hypertension.5 One controlled trial found no blood pressure–lowering effect of green coffee extract supplements in people with normal blood pressure.6

1 Star

Obesity

Extract providing 400 to 450 mg of chlorogenic acids per day

Some research has suggested that green coffee extracts taken as supplements or in food may support weight loss.

Animal research suggests that green coffee extract and its major component, chlorogenic acid, may help with weight loss and reducing abdominal fat.7, 8 An uncontrolled human study found that people who drank 750 ml per day of coffee containing green coffee bean constituents for four weeks ate fewer calories and lost weight.9 In a controlled study, overweight people who drank a coffee beverage containing green coffee extract (providing 400 to 450 mg of chlorogenic acids per day) for 12 weeks lost an average of about 12 pounds and 3.6% body fat compared to less than 4 pounds and an insignificant amount of body fat lost by people who drank a similar amount of coffee without added green coffee extracts.10 Another controlled study reported a statistically significant 11 pound weight loss after 60 days when overweight people took 400 mg per day of green coffee extracts (providing 180 mg of chlorogenic acids per day), compared to about a five pound loss in people taking a placebo.11 The green coffee extracts group also significantly raised their ratio of lean body tissue to body fat compared to the control group. However, since these studies lasted only 12 weeks or less, more research is needed to determine if green coffee extract can help people accomplish long-term weight loss. In addition, at least one human study supporting green coffee extract's effect on weight loss has been retracted due to methodological problems, raising suspicion about research relating to green coffee extract and weight loss.

1 Star

Type 2 Diabetes

Refer to label instructions

Drinking either regular or decaffeinated coffee has been associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk in several preliminary human studies.

Drinking either regular or decaffeinated coffee has been associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk in several preliminary human studies.12 Test tube studies suggest that chlorogenic acid, a primary constituent found in both coffee and in green coffee extract may inhibit glucose production by the liver,13 which could theoretically lead to lower blood sugar. An animal study found that green coffee extract also prevented the reduction in insulin sensitivity caused by a high-fat diet.14 No human studies have tested the effect of green coffee extract on reducing risk of diabetes or improving insulin sensitivity, but a double-blind trial found that healthy people who drank a sweetened coffee beverage containing green coffee extract (providing 400 to 450 mg of chlorogenic acids) had lower blood sugar during the following two hours compared to when they drank the same coffee beverage without added green coffee extract.15 More research is needed to determine whether green coffee extract can help prevent or treat type 2 diabetes.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Coffee, in the form of a brew of ground roasted beans, has been a popular stimulating beverage for almost one thousand years. Green coffee beans may have been eaten fresh by African cultures prior to 1000 A.D. Obtaining the stimulating effects of caffeine appears to be the primary reason for coffee consumption throughout history.

How It Works

Botanical names:

Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora

How It Works

Green coffee beans contain a variety of potentially healthful components, including chlorogenic acids and related compounds,16, 17 which have antioxidant and other protective effects on cell functions.18, 19 Some of these compounds may be converted by intestinal bacteria into different compounds with similar effects.20 Chlorogenic acids and related compounds found in green coffee extract also have stabilizing effects on blood vessel function,21, 22 and regulating effects on body fat metabolism.23 However, the typical roasting of coffee beans may change these compounds in a way that makes some of these effects less potent.24

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora

Side Effects

No serious side effects have been reported in human studies of green coffee extract. However, people who have allergies or other sensitivities to roasted coffee might also be sensitive to green coffee extract. Some green coffee extracts may contain small amounts of caffeine, but at typical daily intakes this amount will be much less than that found in one cup of regular coffee.

10. Thom E. The effect of chlorogenic acid enriched coffee on glucose absorption in healthy volunteers and its effect on body mass when used long-term in overweight and obese people J Int Med Res 2007;35:900-8.

15. Thom E. The effect of chlorogenic acid enriched coffee on glucose absorption in healthy volunteers and its effect on body mass when used long-term in overweight and obese people J Int Med Res 2007;35:900-8.

The information presented by Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2017.

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